#75) BOB SHAW

Bob Shaw joined the New York Mets when his contract was purchased from the San Francisco Giants on June 10, 1966. He made his Mets' debut three days later while throwing a complete game at Shea Stadium. Bob was the starting pitcher in the 5-2 New York victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the first of four consecutive wins the right-hander would record to begin his time with the Mets.

Shaw was born in the Bronx, and later had his family settle in Garden City, New York. After graduating from Garden City High School, Bob attended St. Lawrence University where he pitched and played quarterback for the football team. So his season with the Mets was a homecoming of sorts for the veteran. Although in 1966 he was calling Jupiter, Florida his home. Purchasing citrus acreage and going into the fruit gift-packaging business.

The righthander also held a pilot's license with many flying hours to his credit. "Just call me Captain Midnight," he said in 1967. "I can fly any single engine job. Anything. Except a jet."

During the 1966 season he would tie for the team lead with 11 wins, while registering a 3.92 ERA. His second year with New York was not as successful. With a 3-9 record, and 4.29 ERA the Mets sold his contract to the Chicago Cubs on July 24, 1967.

Following his playing career, Shaw became the manager for the Daytona Beach Dodgers, and later the pitching coach for the Milwaukee Brewers. He authored an instructional book titled, "Pitching" in 1972. Bob remained around the sport he loved by coaching American Legion Baseball in the Palm Beach and Martin County Florida area for many years.

The longtime entrepreneur was involved with businesses as varied as a catfish farm and the creation of Synthetic Turf International. He found much success as a real estate developer with Shaw Management, Inc. in Florida, but realized a dream when he opened "Bob Shaw's Driftwood Grille" in 1988.

Bob Shaw passed away in Tequesta, Florida on September 23, 2010 at the young age of 77.

I created his card in the set from an autographed index card from the legendary autograph guy, Jack Smalling in January 2009. Jack's website is www.baseballaddresses.com.